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About the City by Councilman Leroy Kingery Recently someone contacted me about the mosquito spraying done by the City. This might be a good time to update everyone about our mosquito minimizing methods. During the summer months, normally from late May or early June through the middle of September, the City sprays for mosquitoes. These dates change depending upon the rainfall, wind and temperature conditions. This year we were into the third week of June before the rains subsided enough to make it practical to spray. By autumn, due to both the lower temperatures and reduced mosquito population, the City ceases its mosquito spraying operations. The spray chemical being used now, which is "Biomist 3+15 ULV", also kills some of the other disease carrying insects that are nuisances in our community. However, it is not intended to be used as a general insect control product. The Biomist web site is: www.clarkemosquito.com, if you would like more information about the chemical we use. The City normally sprays twice per month, but the weather conditions mentioned above have an effect upon spraying or not spraying. The optimal time of spraying is between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. because the temperature is cool that time of day, but not too cool, and the winds are usually calmer. Cooler temperatures and lower wind velocity results in a more affective kill on the mosquitoes. The City uses two trucks that cover the entire area of the City, usually starting more at the outside edges and moving in toward the center until they have the community covered. Bees are affected by this spray, which is another reason we do not spray during the daylight hours when bees are busy doing their thing. If you have a bee operation, you should contact the City so we can help you prevent damage to your bees when we spray. You can be placed on a notification list of people to call each time we spray, so you will be aware of the spraying times. If you have other problems such as health concerns, the City maintains a list of citizens that need special consideration. The City will call you prior to spraying each time so you can prepare as much as possible to protect yourself. To be placed on this list, call the Public Works Department (358-9750). The City does not want to do anything harmful to you, but please be mindful that there are over 6,000 residents in Douglas and we have to do what is best for everyone. Various diseases are transmitted by the mosquito, including West Nile and other diseases that we have experienced in our community or communities close to us. We have chosen our chemicals and spraying methods to get the best results with the least harm to you and your community. The City will continue to strive to do what is best for all of our citizens.